Step 3: Find the Right REALTOR® Alabama

Once you have decided to list your house, your next step is to find a REALTOR®. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming if you follow the tips below.

Know the difference

Many people assume there is no difference between a real estate agent and a REALTOR®, but that is not the case. A real estate agent is someone who is licensed to buy or sell homes. A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, the nation’s largest professional real estate organization. A REALTOR® is accredited through NAR and must follow the organization’s code of conduct.

Have choices

The REALTOR® who helped sell your Aunt Jo’s house across town may not be the best person to sell your home. To find the right REALTOR® for you, you need to interview several agents and choose the one who best fits your needs and knows the area in which you are selling. RealEstate.com connects you with several REALTOR® brokerages that are experts in your area, and you choose the company you want to work with. The company’s relocation director will talk with you and personally match you with a local REALTOR® who meets your needs. You can even get a rebate incentive back in the process – saving you money when selling your home.

Interview

Once you have a list of REALTORS®, your next step is to interview them. Come up with a list of questions that you would like to ask. Have them look at your house and give you an estimated selling price and how long they think it will take to sell. Find out how familiar they are with your neighborhood and market. Also, discuss commissions. Are they willing to negotiate? Do you have to sacrifice any service for paying a lower commission?
In the end, you want to go with your instinct when choosing a REALTOR®. Someone can have the stellar recommendations, but if you feel you cannot work with that person, it won’t be a good fit. Another REALTOR® may have very little experience, but they could be very familiar with your area you might have a good feeling about him/her. Hire the REALTOR® you think you can work with best.